Winter Attractions

Home for the holidays

Winter events to visit around Indianapolis

Sophia Krueger kruegsop000@hsestudents.org

As the coldest months of the year roll around, holiday events are heating up the local entertainment scene. From inventive light displays to soulful performances of classic Christmas tunes, central Indiana has something for everyone.

Christmas at the Zoo From Nov. 19 to Dec. 30, the Indianapolis Zoo hosts more than just animals. e ‘Christmas at the Zoo’ experience allows visitors to see dozens of light displays, try specialty snacks and treats, visit Santa and more. Senior Kaci Koch rst attended the event as a requirement of being an Indianapolis Zoo volunteer and said that although she was not involved in the setup this year, she still had a role in the experience. “As a volunteer in the Ascension St. Vincent Dolphin Pavilion, my job is to regulate the ow of tra c and to keep the area clean before and a er presentations [along with] other jobs involving the dolphins,” Koch said. “In a way, I’m involved with ‘Christmas at the Zoo’ because I’m constantly there during our Christmasthemed dolphin presentations, and I will also help guests who need directions or answer any questions I can.” e themed dolphin presentation is a spin-o of the ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas’ story and is just one of the seasonal modi cations made to an exhibit. is, along with more appearances from cold-climate native animals such as arctic foxes, red pandas and sea lions, is just a few of the ways ‘Christmas at the Zoo’ di ers from a regular zoo experience. “I would say that ‘Christmas at the Zoo’ is more engaging than the normal season, just because there are more opportunities for families,” Koch said. “It’s not every day that you get to see a spectacular Christmas tree display or all of the beautifully decorated lights.” ese lights and displays have helped the zoo once again receive a nomination for USA Today’s 10Best Zoo Lights: A distinction that could help to attract visitors—both young and old. “I would especially recommend this event to families with younger children, but the zoo is always a great place to visit for people of all ages,” Koch said. “Our mission is to protect nature and inspire people to care for our world. What better way is there to do that than visiting during the most beautiful time of the year.”

Carmel Christkindlmarkt Just 20 minutes east of FHS lies a sliver of European tradition in the middle of Indiana. From Nov. 19 to Dec. 30, the Carmel Christkindlmarkt provides entertainment, shopping, foreign food options and more to all who stop by. Senior Gracie Phlipot attended the event for the rst time last winter but plans to revisit with her family in search of more shopping and food. “My favorite part was getting to shop at the di erent booths and vendors with my mom,” Phlipot said. “Shopping together is our thing. I purchased jewelry, as well as a Stei stu ed elephant, which are very expensive and premium plush toys. ey had it for pretty cheap, plus elephants are my favorite animal, so I had to get it.” e Stei brand is just one authentic piece of Germany that can be found in the market. Other gi s that can be purchased include traditional German folk art, nutcrackers and porcelain. ere is also a plethora of European foods, which Phlipot says helps make the Carmel Christkindlmarkt a unique event. “It has food from di erent vendors that represent di erent countries, so you get to try food from all over the world,” Phlipot said. “I got authentic French fries and a crepe.” From shopping, eating and ice skating, there is no shortage of activities to try. e event also features kid-friendly activities like character meet-and-greets and cra s, making it an event the whole family can enjoy. “I would recommend this event to groups of family

and friends who want to do some gi shopping either for themselves or others,” Phlipot said. “It’s more fun to go with someone rather than alone.”

Indiana Yuletide Celebration Singing, dancing and pianoplaying can be found at Hilbert Circle eatre in Indianapolis from Dec. 2 to Dec. 23 when the 36th annual Indiana Yuletide Celebration takes center stage. Hosted by singer Frankie Moreno, the show features the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra along with several other performers. Senior Katie Bott attended the event three times and considered it a family tradition until the COVID-19 pandemic canceled the show in 2020. However, the uniqueness of the event is bringing her family back to the theater. “ e show is just top-notch,” Bott said. “It’s one of the best Christmas shows in the area. Just the fact that they bring in so many awesome dancers and performers; there is nothing like it during the Christmas season.” e performances are packed with Christmas spirit as music director Jack Everly conducts the orchestra through arrangements of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas’ and ‘Believe’ from ‘ e Polar Express.’ In addition, the award-winning sister trio, Moipei, is bringing their vocal abilities to the cast alongside some tap-dancing Santas and the Holly Jolly Dollies, according to the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra’s o cial website. “Anyone could go,” Bott said. “If you enjoy seeing a Christmas spectacular or you like watching [musicals], you would have a great time.” The Carmel Christkindlmarkt features dozens of food, gi and drink vendors around the Ice at Center Green. Photo courtesy of YouAreCurrent.

The entrance to Hilbert Circle Theatre is located on Monument Circle. The theatre was built in 1916 and currently has 1,660 seats. Photo courtesy of Flickr.